Just starting, need advice/motivation

A forum for anything related to cardiovascular training.

Moderators: Boss Man, cassiegose

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agthompson
STARTING OUT
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue May 12, 2009 10:33 am

Just starting, need advice/motivation

Post by agthompson »

Hi,

I'll try to keep it short and sweet.

Just getting started. 26 year old , 210 lbs, ex-pc chair potato. Office job.

Currently eating much better. I think I have the food/portions under control. Taking in about 2100 or so calories a day. Our apartments have a mini-gym with a stationary bike, elliptical, and incline treadmill.

For the past week I've done 30-40 minutes on the tread on Monday, Wednesday, and Fri/Saturday depending on schedule. I try to keep it at a mid to fast walk pace on schedule. I know results aren't immediate, but I'm the kind of person who needs immediate results to feel satisfied. Give me some reassurance to let me know that I just need to stick with it, and keep doing what I'm doing, or let me know how to change workout routine to best work for me.

Thanks a TON in advance. You all are inspiration, and Lord knows I need inspiration to keep on track.
cassiegose
VETERAN
Posts: 2525
Joined: Fri May 09, 2008 6:06 pm
Location: Prineville Oregon

Post by cassiegose »

Hi there,

First of all... great job on taking the steps to get into better shape! :)

Ok so does this mini gym also have some kind of weight equipment that you could utilize? If not, I would add in some pushups, body weight squats, lunges, pullups (if there is a place for you to do them?) and dips to that workout routine to challege your muscles a bit more. Cardio is good because it allows you to burn calories while youre doing the work. However, weights are GREAT as they help you to build muscle and ultimately speed up your metabolism which will help you burn more calories all day long...

As for the cardio... Make sure youre challenging yourself everyday when you go in. Sometimes we find ourselves going to the gym and simply hopping on the machine to "put in the time". For best results you'll want to really challenge yourself. Crank that treadmill up and really get to walking. Also, play with the incline a bit to challenge your legs and force your body to a little harder. You can also play with the speed by doing intervals where you do faster pace for a set amount of time, then slow it down for a slower pace for a set amount of time. Lastly, if nobody else is in there while youre working out you could utilize all the machines by doing 10-15 minutes on the bike then 10-15 on the elliptical and 10-15 on the treadmill. Just remember to keep challenging yourself and try to push yourself past your comfort zone.

I hope this helps.

Cassie :)
clare_1
HIGH FLYER
Posts: 359
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2009 7:28 pm

Post by clare_1 »

I agree with Cassie. Cardio is good but you will get the best results with reisitance training and weights are the best for this. Work each muscle group 3-4 times a week.

I would half the cardio you are doing and replace with weights. Like Cassie said, if you dont have any try lunges, squats, pressups, tricep dips etc.

Also if you half the cardio you wont have to just go at a steady pace for the time you do it. You can work harder and push yourself more.

:D
agthompson
STARTING OUT
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue May 12, 2009 10:33 am

Post by agthompson »

For cardio I've been doing this format:

5m warmup
1m fast
2m rest
1m fast
2m rest
1m fast
5m rest
20m medium pace
3m cooldown
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